Kirsten Sibilia - Joint SMPS + AIA Event

Joint SMPS + AIA Event

"Architecture is collaborative. Together we create impactful design and build community." - Kirsten Sibilia

This sentiment is reflected when firm leaders, designers and professionals from marketing, business development, architectural and technical fields create successful projects that stand the test of time. It was just one of the pieces of advice given to us by Kirsten Sibilia, Managing Principal of Dattner Architects.

On August 11th, AIA Cleveland and SMPS Northeast Ohio Chapter held a joint session featuring a discussion with Kirsten. Speaking from her unique background, which was developed from a variety of marketing roles, she ultimately became one of the first allied professionals to have ownership in a NYS architectural firm. She has continued to develop her individual impact and the overall culture in her firm.

Improving Culture at Each of our Firms

While every situation is different, Kristen simplified an approach to building firm culture into 7 simple practices. These can be exercised daily and in virtually every interaction throughout our day.

1. Be Mindful of Meeting Schedules
2. Come Prepared to Contribute
3. Bring a Positive Attitude
4. Encourage Everyone's Participation
5. Challenge Ideas, Not People
6. Listen to Understand
7. Speak with Care

They cost nothing and take almost no effort to start doing. Why not?

Making the Firm a Project

One other piece of advice that stuck with me was her thoughts around making the "firm a project." It is easy for new initiatives, developing efficient systems and enhancing communication between departments to lapse in the face of mounting project deadlines.

We have all been there before.

Try scheduling time, today and tomorrow, just as we would do with billable hours to continue to develop these systems.

If we don't make the time to improve our environment, it simply won't happen.